The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA), an organization of motorcycle manufacturers championing the promotion of road safety in the Philippines, is strengthening its advocacy on road safety in a bid to lessen road deaths attributed to drunk-driving. This following the alarming findings from the Global Report on Road Safety 2015 released by the World Health Organization (WHO),

The WHO Global Report on Road Safety 2015 study revealed that two and three-wheeled vehicles are responsible for 53 percent of road deaths from 2004 to 2013 in the Philippines, with over a thousand of these deaths attributed to drunk-driving.

A Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) incident report covering January to July 2015 echoes the same findings, citing that one of the leading causes of accidents in the country is driving under the influence (DUI). Furthermore, the MMDA report revealed that majority of those involved in these accidents are motorcycle riders, with a total of 11,721 recorded motorcycle accidents during the above-mentioned period.

With the increasing number of accidents related to alcohol intoxication, MDPPA reinforces its road safety advocacies by conducting a series of seminars to remind the public of safety precautions to be observed especially when on the road. “While it is difficult to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, it should not be an excuse to drive intoxicated. Remember to appoint the sober one as the designated driver, or not to drink if you know you’re driving. This holds true whether you are driving a motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle,” MDPPA president Rodel Pablo said.

In 2014 alone, the Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System (MMARAS) Traffic Accident Report showed that there were 90,258 recorded road crash accidents – 418 of which were fatal, 16,665 were non-fatal injuries, while 73,175 involved damage to property. The report further shows that these accidents involved human errors such as drunk-driving and inattentive or sleepy drivers, among others.

While road accidents remain to be among the leading causes of fatality in the country, most cases can be avoided with proper intervention and education of drivers. Aside from strictly observing traffic rules and avoiding driving under the influence, Pablo further advised motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in tip-top condition before hitting the road. “Check if all the parts of your motorcycle or vehicles are functioning properly. It is also best to use genuine parts so as not to compromise on quality,” Pablo added.